Convenient medical service is finally coming back to Coney Island.
The new Ida G. Israel Community Health Center is set to open in August just blocks away from its predecessor, which was destroyed more than two-and-a-half years ago by superstorm Sandy.
Local officials and representatives from Coney Island Hospital were on hand for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 15.
“The loss of this center was one of the biggest issues I heard from the community,” said Councilman Mark Treyger. “I am pleased that we were able to deliver on our promise to restore these services right here in the heart of Coney Island’s residential area.”
The new center is located at 2925 W. 19th Street, between Surf Avenue and Mermaid Avenue, across the street from MCU Park.
The original Ida G. Israel Community Health Center was located on Neptune Avenue between W. 22 Street and W. 23 Street. Residents of Coney Island’s West End have spent the last three years choosing between a mobile medical van at W. 30th Street or heading to Coney Island Hospital for many of their medical needs.
The one-story building is elevated in accordance with new Federal Emergency Management Agency requirements to prevent damage from future storm surges. Speakers at the event stressed the need to protect healthcare services from natural disasters.
“Sandy demonstrated the vulnerabilities in the city’s healthcare system to coastal storms and extreme weather. That’s why we are investing heavily to improve and protect healthcare access for New Yorkers,” said Daniel Zarrilli, director of the Mayor’s Office of Recovery and Resiliency.
Local residents will be able to receive help with adult primary care, pediatrics, dentistry, social services, family planning, behavioral health, chemical dependency and rehabilitation, and Women, Infants and Children nutrition assistance.
The center, just as its predecessor, is named for Ida G. Israel, an activist, community leader, and long-time resident of Coney Island who served as chairwoman of School Board 21, a member of Community Board 13, vice chairwoman of the Coney Island Hospital Community Advisory Board, and chairwoman of the Hospital Community Medical Health Center Advisory Board.
Nearly 30 members of Israel’s family attended the ribbon cutting.
